Sean was ADB's multimedia and web editor. Before joining ADB in 2010, he worked as communications specialist and multimedia journalist for UN-WIDER, IRIN, the BBC and the South African Broadcasting Corporation. He has a master’s degree in communications from the University of Tampere in Finland and a first degree from the University of Warwick in the UK.
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Despite decades of progress, a sharp disparity remains between urban and rural access to safe water in Asia and the Pacific. Targeted investment, innovative technologies, and microfinance are needed.
Rising rates of chronic disease in Asia and the Pacific are driven by lifestyle shifts, aging populations, and unhealthy consumption. Some countries are using targeted fiscal policies and reinvested revenues to improve public health outcomes and reduce long-term costs.
Child stunting rates are declining in many parts of Asia and the Pacific, driven by targeted nutrition, healthcare, and sanitation improvements. Continued progress depends on scaling up low-cost, proven solutions.
Youth unemployment remains high across many parts of Asia and the Pacific despite steady economic growth. To bridge the gap, countries must reform education systems and expand vocational training, while enabling youth-led enterprises.
Marine ecosystems across Asia and the Pacific are under intense pressure from overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss. Marine Protected Areas, when backed by science, community engagement, and enforcement, offer a pathway to biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods.
Achieving gender equality in national legislatures in Asia and the Pacific is attainable through political will, robust gender quotas, and supportive mentorship programs. These measures, combined with effective use of digital spaces and policies to combat gender-based violence, are crucial for ensuring equal representation.
The resurgence of detected TB infections after the pandemic has revealed persistent challenges in Southeast Asia, where socioeconomic factors exacerbate the disease's prevalence. Innovative strategies, such as AI-assisted detection and international cooperation, are critical to eliminating the scourge.
Achieving universal education by 2030 demands significant improvements in teacher recruitment, training, and retention across developing countries in Asia and the Pacific. Improving the status of teachers, expanding certification programs, and incorporating technology are essential steps.
亚太地区发展中国家若想实现到2030年普及教育的目标,需要显著改善教师招聘、培训和留任工作。对此,提高教师地位,扩大教师资格认证计划和采用技术手段等举措必不可少。
Civil registration systems are vital for providing legal identity and accessing essential services, as shown by discrepancies in COVID-19 mortality data and the ongoing challenges in birth registration, especially in poorer communities.
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